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Carbon dots as a fluorescent ink and dual-mode probe for the efficient detection of doxycycline and Hg(II) ions

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Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) with a diameter of 5.6 nm were synthesized from oxalic acid and tris base using a green, simple, and fast microwave synthesis method. The blue fluorescent CDs have remarkable features such as high-quantum yield, water-solubility, photoirradiation stability, and stability under various pH and ionic conditions. It was designed for application in three different areas. It was initially used as a fluorescence-based sensor for the detection of doxycycline with a LOD of 12 nM utilizing an IFE-based fluorescence quenching process. Second, with an outstanding LOD of 0.06 nM, it was utilized for mercuric ion sensing via electrochemical method. Third, the CDs were used as fluorescent ink for handwritten words and drawings without any pretreatment. Real sample analysis using the river and tap water samples confirmed its practicability in sensing applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarsini Hills P. O., Kottayam, Kerala, 686 560, India

    Binila K. Korah, Neenamol John, Bony K. John, Sneha Mathew, D. Bijimol & Beena Mathew

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  1. Binila K. Korah
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  2. Neenamol John
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Correspondence to Beena Mathew.

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Korah, B.K., John, N., John, B.K. et al. Carbon dots as a fluorescent ink and dual-mode probe for the efficient detection of doxycycline and Hg(II) ions. Journal of Materials Research 37, 3060–3070 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-022-00711-1

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